Who should lead Canada’s national broadband strategy?

By Michael GeistMay. 9, 2016

The Liberal government emphasized infrastructure investment in its 2016 budget, but allocated relatively little to the digital side of the ledger. If anything is self-evident, it is that federal government leadership on broadband funding and policies that encourage greater competition is a need, not a want.

With the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission hearing focused on the state of internet access in Canada, the process has taken a surprising turn that ultimately cries out for leadership from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

With one week still remaining in the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission hearing focused on the state of internet access in Canada, the process has taken a surprising turn that ultimately cries out for leadership from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.

Gerald Butts has removed himself from the daily political grind of strategizing how to keep the Liberals in power. But observers say it's unlikely he will be consigned to watch the campaign unfold from the sidelines.

SNC-Lavalin risks a takeover if it's convicted. But aside from likely outrage in Quebec, Ottawa can find other builders for its infrastructure plans if the company is banned from bidding on federal contracts, experts say

The Quebec company had extensive access to government ministers and top staffers, and was the only organization registered to lobby for allowing deferred prosecution agreements for white collar crimes.